Having a pool in your backyard can be a dream come true, offering endless hours of fun and relaxation for you and your family—even if your kids do inexplicably stop using it when they become teenagers (I’m not bitter at all). However, before you jump in, it’s essential to understand the full cost of pool ownership and budget accordingly. From installation to maintenance and design recommendations, here’s what you need to know.
Key Takeaways: What Every Pool Buyer Needs to Know
- Budget beyond installation – Initial costs ($20,000-$50,000+) are just the beginning; ongoing utilities, maintenance, and repairs add thousands annually
- Electricity costs are significant – Pool pumps consume as much power as central air conditioning; consider solar panels and variable-speed pumps
- Design mistakes are permanent – Pay careful attention to steps, lighting, spa size, and drainage during the planning phase—changes later are costly or impossible
- Safety and permits are non-negotiable – Factor in fencing requirements, HOA approvals, and permit fees before breaking ground
- Maintenance is daily during peak season – Water chemistry requires frequent attention, especially in warm weather when algae thrives rapidly
- Professional help has trade-offs – Pool services cost $1,000+ annually but save time; learning basic maintenance yourself provides flexibility and cost savings
- Shape affects maintenance – Rectangular pools are easier to clean and cover; curved designs offer more aesthetic appeal but require more upkeep
Costs
The upfront cost of installing a pool can vary widely depending on factors like size, shape, materials, and location.
Installation
In-ground pools typically cost more than above-ground pools, with prices ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 or more for a basic installation. Features like decking, retaining walls, and solar heating can add tens of thousands of dollars to the total cost.
Be sure to get multiple quotes, as there can be a large difference between contractors. If your neighborhood has a social media group, ask for recommendations there, along with the names of contractors to avoid.
Permit and Inspection Fees
Before starting construction, you’ll need to obtain permits and undergo inspections to ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations. Permit and inspection fees can vary, but typically range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. A good contractor will handle all the paperwork for you.
Homeowners Association
If your neighborhood has an HOA, they may require you to submit plans and pay a fee for design approval.
Fencing and Safety Features
Many municipalities require pools to be surrounded by a fence or other safety barrier to prevent accidents, especially if you have young children or pets. Installing a fence or other safety features can add several thousand dollars to your overall pool costs.
Water
Depending on the size of the pool and the price of water in your area, it will cost anywhere between $100 and $500 or more for the initial fill.
Landscaping and Accessories
Once your pool is installed, you’ll likely want to invest in landscaping and accessories to create an inviting outdoor oasis that enhances both appearance and functionality. This can include things like strategically placed greenery around the pool area, decorative mulch, comfortable patio furniture, shade umbrellas, and ambient lighting for evening enjoyment. Depending on your design preferences and the size of your yard, these finishing touches can easily cost several thousand dollars.
Utilities
Pool ownership comes with ongoing expenses for utilities. You’ll need to budget for the cost of water, electricity, and gas.
- Water: Following the initial fill, your pool may actually use less water than an equivalent area of lawn, depending on the climate. Most modern in-ground pools will automatically add water as needed, and many will also drain any excess water.
- Electricity: A pump running at high speed can consume as much power as a home’s central air conditioner. If you don’t already have solar panels, a pool is an excellent reason to have a system installed.
- Gas for the heater: How much or how little you use depends on your climate and swimming habits, but $200-400 per month is typical when the pool is used heavily. Ensure your heater is off when it isn’t needed so you won’t be shocked by the bill. If you will be using the pool much of the year, consider installing a solar pool heater.
Maintenance
You may choose to hire a professional pool service for regular maintenance tasks like cleaning, chemical balancing, and equipment maintenance. This can add a thousand dollars or more to your annual expenses. The good news is that cleaning and balancing your own pool isn’t too difficult or time consuming, but it requires more attention during warmer months, when algae thrives. In fact, in a chlorine pool, even one day of fun can cause free chlorine to drop to an unacceptable level.
Repairs and Replacements
Like any other part of your home, pools require regular maintenance and occasional repairs. Over time, you may need to repair or replace equipment like pumps, filters, heaters, and liners, which can add up to thousands of dollars in additional expenses.
Insurance and Liability
Having a pool on your property can affect your homeowner’s insurance premiums and liability coverage. You may need to increase your liability coverage or add an umbrella policy to protect yourself financially in case of accidents or injuries.
Toys
Pool floats and the noodle-style water guns deteriorate quickly if they aren’t stored immediately after a season of use. Take care of your favorites, and be prepared to buy something new every spring.
Design Choices
In some ways, the design process is nearly as fun as the finished product. However, keep in mind that you’ll be stuck with any mistakes made during this time.
A pool is typically either rectangular or based on several connected circles. The former is easier to maintain, could be perceived as more elegant, and is much easier to cover. The latter is a more natural-looking shape that offers more interesting options for landscaping and specialized areas (such as seating) within the pool.
Dos and Don’ts
Do
- Pay attention to steps, ensuring they are sized appropriately in the design before digging begins. Pool builders will be more precise when it comes to making smaller features like this, so a mistake in the design will become reality. Don’t assume that the contractor will notice.
- Ensure the number of jets is appropriate for the size of the spa.
- Consider including at least one seating area for adults (other than the spa and any planned Baja shelf), and remember to include holes for in-pool umbrellas.
- Keep in mind nighttime use and lighting. The contractor may not include enough pool lights for your taste, and this will only become obvious after it is finished.
- Even if you will be hiring a pool service, learn to use the pump valves and educate yourself on balancing chemicals. One of the best resources on the web for this is the Trouble Free Pool blog and forum.
Don’t
- Don’t skimp on the spa size. A large spa is more expensive to heat, but if a smaller one can only comfortably fit four people, it may rarely be used. If it is on the smaller size, use a circular or square shape rather than a rectangle, as the latter can result in awkward seating for conversation.
- Don’t design an overflow or waterfall that will attract animal life. If the spa water is easy to access, they will use it (birds in particular), and this creates other problems, which I’ll leave to your imagination.
- Don’t attempt to design a symmetrical pool (in other words, one half being a mirror image of the other) using the circle technique, unless you’re prepared to be directly involved in the dig markings. Inform your contractor of this ahead of time, so they will be prepared for a nit-picky homeowner. These designs are difficult to get just right.
- Don’t choose a surface color that is too dark, especially if you have small children. This makes objects at the bottom more difficult to see.
- Don’t neglect drainage. This will be installed at the same time as the decking and any retaining walls, and needs to adequately eliminate any overflow from rain, a broken irrigation system, or overly enthusiastic splashing. In a suburban setting, it may be necessary to core the curb in front of your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it typically take to install an in-ground pool?
The installation process usually takes 2-3 months from start to finish, depending on factors like weather, permit processing times, and contractor availability. Complex designs or challenging terrain can extend this timeline. It’s best to start the process in late winter or early spring if you want to use the pool that summer.
Unfortunately, there are also unscrupulous pool builders who are primarily in the business of getting contracts signed (actually finishing pools is not their highest priority), and if their subcontractors remain busy on other projects, you may experience the hassle of having a half-completed pool for 6 months or more. This is why getting contractor referrals from other customers is so important.
What’s the typical lifespan of a pool’s major components?
- Pool pump: 8-12 years
- Pool heater: 7-10 years
- Pool filter: 5-7 years
- Vinyl liner (if applicable): 7-10 years
- Plaster finish: 7-15 years depending on maintenance
- Tile and coping: 15-20 years
Can I install a pool in a small backyard?
Yes, but you’ll need to carefully consider the minimum size needed for your intended use. A lap pool can be as narrow as 8 feet, while a plunge pool might only need 10×20 feet of space. Remember to account for required setbacks from property lines and structures, which vary by municipality.
How does salt water chlorination compare to traditional chlorine pools?
Salt water systems convert salt into chlorine, resulting in softer-feeling water and potentially less eye and skin irritation. While the initial setup cost is higher ($1,000-2,500), many owners find the maintenance easier and ongoing chemical costs lower. However, the salt can be harder on certain pool materials and equipment over time.
What are the most energy-efficient ways to heat a pool?
- Solar covers (solar blankets) can reduce heating costs by up to 70%
- Heat pumps are more efficient than gas heaters for consistent temperature maintenance
- Solar heating panels, while expensive to install, have minimal operating costs
- Variable-speed pumps can reduce overall energy consumption by 50-80%
How do I prepare my pool for severe weather events?
Don’t drain the pool—the water provides crucial weight to prevent structural damage. Instead:
- Remove or secure loose equipment and furniture
- Turn off power to pool equipment
- Add extra chlorine to prevent algae growth during power outages
- Consider installing a backup generator for essential pool equipment
- Have a plan for removing excess water if needed
What are the most common mistakes new pool owners make?
- Neglecting to test water chemistry frequently enough during peak usage
- Running the pump for longer than necessary, increasing energy costs
- Not running the pump long enough, increasing the risk of contamination
- Not maintaining proper water levels, which can damage equipment
- Backwashing the filter too frequently or not frequently enough
- Failing to brush pool walls weekly, leading to algae growth
Owning a pool can be a rewarding investment, but it’s essential to understand the full (and ongoing) cost of ownership before taking the plunge. By carefully weighing the expenses and benefits, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for your family.
